The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that the Copper Queens will play two friendly games against Malawi’s Scorchers.

According to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, the two international matches are part of the preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco in July.

“We are delighted to announce that the Copper Queens will be in action during the FIFA window with two international friendly matches against Malawi. These games have been organized as the first part of preparations for the WAFCON and give the newly appointed technical bench an opportunity to get down to work,” Kamanga says.

Malawi’s football association has also confirmed that the two friendlies will be played on Thursday, February 20th, and Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, in Zambia.

FAZ announced last month that they were organizing a six-nation tournament, but they have since called it off due to unspecified challenges.

“We had hoped to organize a six-nation tournament, but we ran into some challenges, hence putting it off. The idea was always to give the Copper Queens at least more than one game during the FIFA window.”

Both teams are expected to field their first-team lineups, with Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and the Chawinga sisters Temwa and Tabitha set to headline the friendlies.

Häuptle wants more friendly games

Nora Häuptle, the newly appointed Copper Queens coach, expects to play more friendly games in preparation for the WAFCON and hopes to make her debut at home.

“We want to invite all Zambians to participate. I am curious about the crowd and the atmosphere,” Häuptle said after being unveiled in Lusaka last month.

“Last time I was in Ndola, I had goosebumps even though I was the opposition coach. I want a sold-out stadium in Ndola.”

 Häuptle also revealed there are plans for the Copper Queens to take part in a friendly tournament in April.

“We will try to go to a tournament in April, which we’re in negotiations at the moment. Then there’s the end of May, a period where we’re also discussing what we’re going to do. We are setting a clear roadmap that we ensure in July we’ll be ready.”